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Road closure miscommunication with Waymo spoils San Francisco's July 4
SFGATE • • nation
Key Points:
- The Fourth of July fireworks show near the Golden Gate Bridge attracted around 100,000 people, causing severe traffic congestion in San Francisco’s Presidio, particularly around the Lincoln Boulevard roundabout where Waymo autonomous vehicles became stuck.
- Traffic on Girard Road and surrounding areas came to a standstill, with some Waymo vehicles needing to be towed after running out of battery due to being trapped in the congestion.
- The Presidio experienced road closures, including Halleck Street, but Waymo was not informed of these closures, hindering their ability to manage traffic and vehicle movement effectively.
- City officials acknowledged the unprecedented crowds and traffic delays, with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Mayor Daniel Lurie pledging to improve coordination and operational practices for future large-scale events.
- Despite the traffic chaos, Mayor Lurie highlighted the positive economic impact on local businesses in the Marina District following the event.
